One is already scheduled to leave while two others are expected to follow suit this summer
Isaac Johnson Leeds United reporter
05:00, 28 Mar 2026
Loanee Facundo Buonanotte has started just one game since his January arrival and failed to impress
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Loanee Facundo Buonanotte has started just one game since his January arrival and failed to impress(Image: Zach Forster/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Leeds United will play a maximum of 10 more games this season should they reach the FA Cup final - yet some players might not start, or even play, for the club again.
After the international break comes the FA Cup quarter-final trip to West Ham United on Easter Sunday before the seven-game Premier League run-in begins. It’s crunch time and those on the fringes will find it hard to get much game time as a result.
The likes of Ilan Meslier and Alex Cairns have not played all season, so when we take a look at those who will probably not start another game this season, the pair have been omitted from the list due to being dead-certs. Meanwhile, the jury is still out on others.
But it seems there are four players who might have been named in the Leeds starting XI for the last time this season, and perhaps for good.
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Sebastiaan Bornauw
Thierno Barry of Everton challenges Sebastiaan Bornauw of Leeds United
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Thierno Barry of Everton challenges Sebastiaan Bornauw of Leeds United(Image: Getty Images)
As long as the three main centre-backs and James Justin remain fit, it seems unlikely that Bornauw will get the nod again this season. He has had a rough season that has been blotted by injury but he has still managed to contribute to United’s FA Cup run and survival bid.
However, it has been clear to see why the Belgian is at the bottom of the centre-back selection list. A touch off the pace at times and not as threatening in the box, Bornauw has struggled for rhythm - albeit has not been terrible.
At this stage of the season, the FA Cup requires Farke to field a stronger team than using rotation players, which Bornauw is. Barring injury or suspension, it seems unlikely he gets the nod again. He will get another chance next season.
Facundo Buonanotte
Facundo Buonanotte
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Facundo Buonanotte(Image: Nigel French/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
It could well be that the Brighton & Hove Albion loanee’s only start is that poor full debut outing against Birmingham City in the fourth round of the FA Cup. He has been left out of six of the past seven Premier League squads and stayed on the bench for the cup win over Norwich City.
He’s had less game time than he did at Chelsea, which is quite something. He might make the FA Cup squad, yet if Farke does indeed attack the game with full strength - which he needs to after recent weeks - Buonanotte might be left disappointed once more.
This is not to say we won’t see the Argentine again. Leeds have lacked creativity and in theory he is someone who provides that. But any appearance from now looks to be from the bench, unless a rabbit is somehow pulled out of the hat before he returns to his parent club.
Joel Piroe
Joel Piroe celebrates scoring
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Joel Piroe celebrates scoring(Image: George Wood/Getty Images)
Piroe did start and score against Norwich in the last round but the reality is that he has not begun a game against a Premier League team since August and it is unlikely that is going to change.
West Ham in the cup would be his best chance but the odds of him starting an away game are even slimmer than at home. Ultimately, Piroe is expected to leave at the end of the season given his shunning this year.
He has been a terrific talent during his time at the club but it is clear that Piroe - last season’s Championship top scorer - and his style of play is not what Farke needs going forward, despite being the best finisher he has worked with.
Sam Byram
Sam Byram has played more than 200 games for Leeds United
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Sam Byram has played more than 200 games for Leeds United(Image: Malcolm Bryce - LUFC/Leeds United via Getty Images)
Byram has started one game all season - and that was back in August. He captained the side for the first time in that horrific League Cup defeat to Sheffield Wednesday, the defender being taken off on 71 minutes.
Byram has made just 11 league matchday squads since but has not played a single minute, following his seven-minute cameo against Arsenal in the 4-0 defeat at Arsenal a few days before the humiliation at Hillsborough.
His other two cup appearances, which tally a combined playing time of just seven minutes, have come when the games have been won. Byram has been a brilliant servant to his boyhood club with 223 appearances to his name.
He might be handed another cameo should Leeds get over the line early enough or if an FA Cup tie is out of sight. But it seems he has started his final game for the Whites.
Why not others?
In the back-three system, it is a struggle for Daniel James and Wilfried Gnonto to work their way into the line-up amid the absence of wingers. However, it is possible one or both might be handed a start against West Ham in the cup and maybe a league game if Farke needs to try something different.
As things stand, Ao Tanaka and Sean Longstaff are probably spying the West Ham game as their best chance of a start in the coming two months, but given United’s midfield ranks are not overly deep it is entirely feasible either could start one or more of the final seven league games.
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Finally, it is expected that Lucas Perri will start in the FA Cup against the Hammers given his second-choice status designating him as the cup goalkeeper. But if Leeds get knocked out, he will likely remain on the bench until the season is done.